Did you know that the powwow is a relatively new cultural form? Treuer writes, “today’s events are commonly secular, not ceremonial, and are widely practiced all over North America. They usually last anywhere from one to three days, and they are open to people of all tribes, genders, ages, and races. Powwows are primarily dance events, where people wear sometimes elaborate beadwork, feathers, and other regalia and dance to a wide array of songs performed by numerous drum groups, each comprised of anywhere from five to twenty singers.”

So, can white people dance at powwows? Treuer responds, “Yes. Although there are prohibitions against the participation of outsiders in ceremonial events and customs for some tribes, powwow has no such official barriers . . . Powwow music is considered and often called inter-tribal–open to people of all tribes and races.”

That said, if you haven’t attended a powwow before, here’s a primer on powwow etiquette.